The Ogun State Police Command said its detectives have recovered a stolen Lexus 460 SUV valued at N45 million within hours of receiving a report of its theft.
According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Friday, the operation led to the arrest of a suspect, Jeremiah Emmanuel, and the foiling of his alleged plan to dispose of the vehicle for N10 million.
The police said it received the report on Thursday, at about 7:00 p.m., concerning the alleged theft of the SUV by the owner’s 28-year-old driver, Emmanuel.
The statement read, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver had conveyed his employer to his office earlier in the day but subsequently left with the vehicle without authorisation, allegedly claiming that his wife was indisposed.
“He reportedly took the vehicle to meet two other individuals, Akeem Olawale, aged 34, and Monday Keshi, who is currently at large. The suspects had allegedly arranged to take the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale at N10 million, despite its estimated value of N45 million.
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“Upon receiving the report, detectives of Agbado Division immediately swung into action, deploying their investigative resources to track down the suspects. The operation led to the arrest of one of the suspects at Agbado Crossing at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day, while the stolen Lexus was successfully recovered.”
The police said during preliminary investigation, the arrested suspect allegedly admitted involvement in the planned movement of the vehicle to Cotonou for sale.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, while the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation and further necessary action,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations, disrupt criminal networks and ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
